30. Ke$ha - We R Who We R
I'm not a big fan of Ke$ha, but this song is awesome and the best thing she has done so far. Of course musically it's not that different from her other hits, but somehow it's just catchier and better. Ke$ha also delivered some great comedy this year, like her video explaining the $ in her name, and the video where she sings a Christmas song.
29. Giusy Ferreri - Il Mare Verticale
Giusy rose to fame on the Italian version of X-Factor and had a few huge hits. She released her second album
Fotografie late last year which wasn't as good as her first one and it flopped miserably. However, there was one song on it that is truly amazing, and it's this one. Her incredible voice, reminiscent of Amy Winehouse, can chill you to the bone.
28. Adam Lambert - Aftermath
Adam's debut album
For Your Entertainment was quite disappointing for me because I had really high expectations, but there are a few songs that keep it afloat and this is the best one. This more rockish, anthemic sound where his vocals can soar, unburdened by digital interference, is what I want to hear from him.
27. Chihiro Onitsuka - Wakusei no Mori
This was the one original track on Chihiro's greatest hits album, and it's another gem. Her voice is so stunning, it's hard to believe it exists.
26. Janelle Monáe - Cold War
Janelle is a true artist, she has an amazing vision and she doesn't waver from it. She really feels her music and that is what we need more of in mainstream music. Her song "Cold War" and its accompanying video are both brilliant.
25. Hurts - Stay
This song is so cool. The music, the voice, it all comes together so well. One of the best new acts of 2010.
24. Rihanna - Te Amo
One of the best tracks on
Rated R, I was thrilled to hear it was being released as a single and was ready for it to become Rihanna's biggest hit ever. But it didn't happen. Part of the reason was probably the atrocious video, that completely ignores the amazing story of the song and makes Rihanna look really ugly. Other than that her label didn't seem all that interested after "Rude Boy" had done its job.
23. Graffiti6 - This Man
The best album track on my #1 album of 2010, "This Man" is truly incredible. It's such a laid back track and then singer Jamie Scott just lets loose at the end. Great stuff.
22. Ai Otsuka - Lucky Star
Ai is one of my favorite singers and she delivered again this year with this great song and its original video. She announced her pregnancy a few months ago so unfortunately the next album will have to wait. But I'm happy for her and anxiously await her return.
21. Lady GaGa - So Happy I Could Die
Lady GaGa's second best song, I have always loved "So Happy I Could Die". Hopefully
Born This Way will have more songs that sound like this.